The Holy Father, Pope Leo XIV, on June 14, 2026, released his message for the World Day of the Poor, which will be celebrated on November 15, 2026. Reflecting on the theme, “The Lord is the Refuge of the Poor” (Psalm 14), the Pope called on Christians worldwide to uphold justice, solidarity, and human dignity for the poor and vulnerable.
In the message, dated June 13, the Feast of Saint Anthony of Padua, Pope Leo XIV explained that Psalm 14 was written during a period marked by the destruction of the Temple in Jerusalem, when the people felt deprived of God’s presence and endured severe material and moral hardship. He urged Christians to reflect deeply on the plight of the poor and remain committed to addressing their needs.
The Holy Father noted that some people live “as if there were nothing greater than themselves,” leading to widespread social injustice fueled by arrogant corruption and discrimination. He stressed that such attitudes continue to undermine human dignity and social harmony.
Pope Leo further warned against ignoring the cries of the poor, who often suffer the consequences of inequality and exclusion. He observed that “the absence of God no longer places people side by side in mutual respect, but places one above the other in a relationship of domination and oppression.” He also cautioned that rapid digitalization risks widening the gap between the privileged and the poor.
Calling on Christians to become “a refuge for the poor,” the Pope emphasized that the Christian community cannot remain indifferent to those who stand at its doors yet remain invisible to society. Drawing inspiration from Saint Augustine and citing his Apostolic Exhortation Dilexi Te, he reiterated the Church’s commitment to caring for the poor and marginalized.
The Holy Father concluded his message with a prayer that Christians may rediscover “the faces of so many brothers and sisters who seek refuge in God and long to feel at home in our communities,” while responding generously to their needs with timely and compassionate assistance.
Following his Apostolic Journey to Spain from June 6–12, 2026, Pope Leo XIV expressed his heartfelt gratitude to the Spanish people and to His Majesty King Felipe VI for the warm welcome accorded to him throughout his visit.
Speaking during the Angelus on Sunday upon his return to Rome, the Holy Father said, “I thank the Spanish people, who welcomed me with great enthusiasm and devotion.”
He extended special appreciation to the bishops, local communities, and the entire Church in Spain for their hospitality. Pope Leo also acknowledged King Felipe VI for his personal support during the journey, particularly for making his private jet available when the papal aircraft experienced a mechanical problem.
“I am especially grateful to His Majesty the King,” the Pope stated. “I affectionately thank the Bishops, all the communities I visited, and the entire Church in Spain. May God always bless Spain!”
The Holy Father further noted his gratitude to King Felipe VI for personally welcoming him upon his arrival in Madrid and bidding him farewell at the conclusion of his visit in the Canary Islands.
Anita Aryeh
DEPSOCOM, Accra
